Dean Sullivan, who played Jimmy Corkhill on Brookside, died on Wednesday aged 68. A statement from Hamilton Management and his family reads: “To millions he was and very much still is remembered as ‘Jimmy’, to family and friends he was ‘Dino’.
“Dean’s family wants to thank Arrowe Park Hospital for their unwavering and consistent support. We ask that you respect their privacy in their time of grief.”
The actor joined the soap in 1986 and quickly became one of the soap’s best known characters. During his time on-screen, he won two British Soap Awards, including a special recognition award.
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Dean played Jimmy up until the soap was axed in 2003, due to an apparent decline in viewing figures. Tributes have flooded in for the programme’s longest-serving actor on X, formerly known as Twitter.
One wrote: “I do love a soap icon, and they didn’t come more iconic than Jimmy Corkhill. What terribly sad news. Beloved actor Dean Sullivan has passed away. My thoughts are with his many friends and family xx.”
A second added: “Jimmy Corkhill remains one of the most iconic soap characters ever, years after Brookside finished. RIP Dean Sullivan.”
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Brookside opening credits (2002)
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A third typed: “Heartbroken to hear about the very sad passing of Dean Sullivan. An incredible person and actor, he leaves a void that will be deeply felt, especially in his hometown, Liverpool, where he was a true legend. My thoughts are with his family on this somber day.”
Back in August, Dean expressed the importance of finding cancer early after his own health battle. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 and was given the all-clear last year.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he urged those concerned to “trust your gut” and seek doctors’ advice, as a check could be life-changing. He shared: “The first time I went to the doctor’s surgery he said we’ll just keep an eye on it and see how you go on.
“It was a few weeks later, I just knew that wasn’t right. When I went back I saw a doctor who specialised in prostate treatment. He gave me a quick examination and within two weeks I was at the hospital speaking to the consultant.
“If I’d have listened to the first doctor, it might have been a different story so always trust your gut. 11 times out of 10, you’re right.”
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